Term 2, Week 1, 29 April

Principal's Update

Welcome to Term 2

A warm welcome back to Term 2 for students and families, and a special welcome to those families joining MacKillop College for the first time. I look forward to working with you and being able to meet with parents at our Learning Conversations and other opportunities throughout this term. Our partnership, and the communication between staff and parents, remains one of the real strengths of our MacKillop College community and a key element in the success and thriving of our young people.

ANZAC Day 2022

I’m not sure if it was just me but this year's ANZAC Day seemed a little more special than past ones, as difficult as that is on such a special day in our Australian culture. 

I think having not been able to March for the past two years had young and old eager to honour our service men and women. MacKillop students were no exception with over 70 students participating in the March with the College and a number of students representing local service and community organisations. Our students' respect and pride was simply a privilege to witness. I was touched by how many students were also wearing the medals of great grandparents and other family members. On Sunday evening I received the message below from a local community member:

Hi Cath, I just want to say how impressive the MacKillop students were at the March today. The uniform looked fantastic and I didn't see one student on their phone. Some Year 8 girls also had a very mature chat with me, even though they don't know me.

I also received many messages recognising the wonderful efforts of students and staff in our Drumlines. There is no doubt they make the Port Macquarie ANZAC March a very special one. 

What wonderful young ambassadors all these young men and women are. Just another example of why I love my job.

Catholic Schools Week

Our school will join with more than 620 Catholic schools across NSW and the ACT to celebrate the annual Catholic Schools Week (CSW). This will take place in the Diocese of Lismore from May 2 - 6.

This year’s theme “Community, Care, Compassion’’ echoes the broader mission of Catholic schools in the Diocese of Lismore, to provide opportunities for all of our students to experience life to the full as caring and compassionate school communities. It is particularly pertinent at this challenging time for our diocese and the world.

We are immensely proud of the role we play alongside our parish in maintaining the rich heritage that is Catholic Education in our community. This week provides us with the opportunity to showcase and celebrate the quality education we offer to the diverse range of students in our school.

As part of Catholic Schools Week, the College will hold our annual Information and Open Evening on Monday 2 May commencing at 6:00pm. While this evening is primarily for our Year 7 2023 students and families, all College families, especially those who may not have attended this evening in previous years, are welcome to come along to the talk and tours lead by our students who so proudly showcase their school. 

Thank you for your ongoing support. I look forward to seeing you during CSW 2022.

Year 7 - 11 Learning Conversations

On Monday, 9 May we will be holding the second of our Learning Conversations evenings in the College Hall on the junior site from 4:00pm-7:30pm for families with children in Years 7-11. Please be aware that due to Covid restrictions this may change to an online forum/Zoom, based on current advice at the time.

If this date does not suit, or your child’s teacher is not available, I encourage you to make contact (phone or email) with your child’s teachers.

As per all conversations in relation to our students’ learning, we encourage your child to also attend the evening. These interviews are one part of the very important process of our students gaining the most from their schooling, and provide an opportunity for parents and teachers to meet to ensure open and collaborative communication which assists students not only in their learning but in their growth as young men and women.

In addition to PC and class teachers Jo Pilgrim, Leader of Careers and Pathways will also be available via the booking system.

You can now book interviews at times that suit via www.schoolinterviews.com.au and follow these simple instructions.

Monday, 9 May (bookings will close the evening of Thursday, 5 May)

Please ensure you provide your full name, and your child’s full name, when entering your details.

When you click finish, your interview timetable will be emailed to you automatically - check your junk mail folder if you do not receive your email immediately.

Interviews are strictly 5 minutes and spaces are limited. If you require more time, please contact teachers directly to make alternative arrangements.

Parents can change their interview bookings any time prior to the closing date, by re-visiting the www.schoolinterviews.com.au website and using the event code. Remember to use the same name and email address you used when you made your original booking.

Christine Harmer 
Assistant Principal, Learning and Teaching

Information Night

Year 10 Meningococcal Immunisation

Each year NSW Health works in partnership with schools to offer the vaccines recommended by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) for adolescents as part of the school vaccination program.

North Coast Area Health Service are holding an Immunisation Day at MacKillop College for Year 10 students on Monday, 9 May. 

All Year 10 students will receive the following vaccine: Meningococcal ACWY.

A Parent Information Kit has been sent home today with Year 10 students for this immunisation.  This kit contains a consent form, information sheet, and privacy statement that details how personal information will be collected, stored and utilised.

To consent to the immunisation of your child, parents/carers are advised to:

• Read all the information provided;
• Complete the consent form and sign;
• Return the completed consent form to the Area Health Nurse on Vaccination Day; and
• Ensure that your child eats breakfast on the day of the school immunisation clinic.

Please return the signed consent form to the Area Health Nurse on Immunisation Day.  Immunisation will not be administered to students without a signed consent form.  Verbal consent is not sufficient.

A Record of Immunisation will be provided to each student immunised.  Parents/carers should ensure that this record is kept for further reference, and should not assume that their child has been vaccinated if they do not receive this Record of Immunisation.

Please note that MacKillop College does not keep any records of these immunisations. If you have any questions or concerns, please ring Lindsay Lucas (Public Health Unit) on 0429 046 229.

Students are asked to wear their sport uniform on Immunisation Day for ease of access of their immunisation.

School Photos Year 7 - 10

Be Bus Aware

School Photos Year 11 - 12

Term 2 Sport Update

Cross Country

The MacKillop College Cross Country is not a compulsory event and is for students that want to run competitively. This means that you must be at the very least attempting to run the entire distance.

Students MUST have nominated on the registration form located on the School Moodle page no later than Wednesday, 27 April.

The Cross County will take place on Tuesday, 3 May at MacKillop College during PC and periods 1-3 for all students in Years 7-12 that have nominated. If we have to postpone the event due to weather, students will be notified via email.

Students running are to wear their sport uniform on Tuesday. Students are permitted to change into appropriate running attire prior to their race. It is recommended that you bring a change of clothes and towel as the track is still quite muddy.

We would love to hear from any parent helpers that may be able to assist with time keeping and recording next Tuesday between 9:00am and 12:00pm.

Students are to meet Erin Denham at the JUNIOR BASKETBALL COURT according to the schedule below.

Year 9 and 10 students can attend their normal Sport session.

Schedule

Representative Sport 

NSWCCC Swimming & Diving

Congratulations to Bronte McAllister, Charlotte Fitzpatrick, Riley Judd and Maeve Kinchington, who all travelled to Homebush as the end of last term to represent the Lismore Diocese at the NSWCCC Swimming and Diving Championships.

To be competing at this level is a true testament to the dedication, skill and commitment that these athlete’s demonstrate. We are extremely proud of your achievements. Results below:

Charlotte Fitzpatrick: 5^th 50m Freestyle 12 Year Girls; Maeve Kinchington: 7^th 50m Breaststroke, 7^th 100m Breaststroke 15 Year Girls; Riley Judd: Gold 15 Boys Springboard; Bronte McAllister: Gold 17-19 Girls Springboard.

Registrations and Upcoming Events

All registrations for MacKillop College sport teams will be completed by students via logging into the school Moodle page. Go to the Student Links tab on the left hand side and click on the Representative Sports Registrations link. Click on the relevant sport and fill out the google form.

Students will be notified through the morning notices of when to sign up, and when trials will occur.

Click on this link to register.

Lismore Diocesan Events & Registration

Please note that the following sports are currently open for students to be able to sign up to or register their interest to trial. These sports have been advertised to students through morning notices over the past week.

Please click on this link below to register for the sports.

NSWCCC EVENTS AND REGISTRATION

Students MUST be registered for the event with parent and Principal approval (or Principal delegate).

Registration is through the CSNSW Sport portal. Details on how to register.

Registrations are via the CSNSW.sport portal. For instructions on how to register go to:  Guide For Parents – Sport Registrations >>

Please note that the NSWCCC Sport registrations for individual nominations for 2022 selections are open for the following trials:

For further information, go to the CSNSW Sport website Sport pages. https://csnsw.sport/

NSW All Schools – Events

The selection for these events are a result of the NSWCCC events.

Community Sport

If your child has achieved outstanding sporting results in their community sport, we would love to hear about it. Please email myself, or your child’s respective Leader of Pastoral Care, so we can acknowledge these achievements.  

If you have any questions regarding sport at MacKillop College, please do not hesitate to contact me either by email or phone at the College.

Erin Denham
Leader of Sport 

St Agnes’ Education introduces the Creative Arts Nest

Building upon the wonderful tradition of creative and performing arts, St Agnes’ Education is proud to announce the launch of the Creative Arts Nest.

The Creative Arts Nest is dedicated to fostering powerful, inclusive artistic experiences and a creative exchange of ideas across St Agnes’ Parish Schools. 

Our purpose is to inspire, educate, connect and entertain through our engaging cultural and artistic offerings. 

The Nest is committed to enriching our students' education experience by generating opportunities for participation in the arts, partnering with our schools, collaborating with local artists and forming connections within the greater community.

“This is a significant development in how our schools utilise our size and effectiveness, and work together to provide for students something that no other individual school can offer,” said Stephen Pares, Regional Services Leader Hastings Region, Diocese of Lismore Catholic Schools.

Taking centre stage, The Nest is proud to announce the first of its programs for 2022. Students in Years 5-8 from all schools within St Agnes’ Education are invited to perform in a collective production of Disney's Aladdin Jr.  With a cast of more than 100 students, a choir of 50 and the renowned St Agnes’ Education Drumline, it is set to be spectacular!

The second program kicking off 2 May, is the A4Art Prize which is the first Parish wide schools art competition of its kind. With a prize pool of more than $3500, students and staff are invited to take one A4 size piece of paper and create an artwork by using the paper in any way they choose. Entries close 20 May, 2022. Shortlisted Artworks will be showcased in an online exhibition, along with a touring exhibition to each of the six St Agnes’ Education Schools.

More details regarding the St Agnes’ Education, Creative Arts Nest and its programs can be found at www.artsnest.com.au which will be live Monday, 2 May.

Canteen

To order from the canteen:

1. Orders can be written out at the canteen (bags supplied free of charge)

2. Orders can be written out at home and handed in at the canteen

3. Download the Qkr! app and order on line

All orders to be in by 8:30am please.

Please remind your child/children if you have ordered for them, and what their order is.

If your child is sick and you have ordered, please phone the canteen (6583 2632) to arrange a credit. 

Please note to change your child's year group when using the QKR! app to order lunch for 2022

Now available: Gluten free pies $5.00 and gluten free sausage rolls $4.00; these items must be ordered.

Monday 2 May
Mayo Brumby, Sue Moore-Jones and Jodie Burge

Tuesday 3 May 
Maggie Nash and Hahn Lee

Wednesday 4 May 
Kate Perkins and Peta Clancy

Thursday 5 May
Rowena Beukers, Kelly Dingle and Renee Bullock

Friday 6 May
Jo Sexton, Mel Carroll and Leanne Hatherly 

Canteen Help Needed

We are in need of some parent assistance for canteen. For more information and requirements on volunteering in the Canteen, or if you are able to volunteer, please follow this link. 

Homework Hubs

Maths Tutorials

Tuesday 7.45am-8.30am and  Friday 7.45am-8.30am

Room 12 Main College with Elizabeth Robertson